Abnormal descent of the testis and its complications: A multimodality imaging review

Cryptorchidism refers to an absence of the testis in the scrotal sac. Testicular descent occurs in two stages: transabdominal and gubernacular. The descent of the testis can be arrested in its usual path of descent (true undescended testis) or can migrate from the usual path of descent (ectopic testis). Localising the missing testis is important for surgical planning, as well as for identification of complications that are more common with cryptorchidism. Ultrasound is the initial imaging modality to visualise, as well as localise the testis in cryptorchidism. However, ultrasound imaging is limited in visualising testes that are not superficial in location. This article highlights various examples of abnormal descent of the testis in usual as well as unusual locations and complications of undescended testes. Further evaluation with computed tomography scan or magnetic resonance imaging is needed in indeterminate cases and for identification of complications. We have highlighted the role of specific modalities with imaging findings in this pictorial review for the appropriate selection of each modality in clinical practice

Multimodality imaging spectrum of complications of horseshoe kidney

Horseshoe kidney is the most common congenital renal fusion anomaly with an incidence of 1 in 400–600 individuals. The most common type is fusion at the lower poles seen in greater than 90% of the cases, with the rest depicting fusion at the upper poles, resulting in an inverted horseshoe kidney. Embryologically, there are two theories hypothesizing the genesis of horseshoe kidney – mechanical fusion theory and teratogenic event theory. As an entity, horseshoe kidney is an association of two anatomic anomalies, namely, ectopia and malrotation. It is also associated with other anomalies including vascular, calyceal, and ureteral anomalies. Horseshoe kidney is prone to a number of complications due to its abnormal position as well as due to associated vascular and ureteral anomalies. Complications associated with horseshoe kidney include pelviureteric junction obstruction, renal stones, infection, tumors, and trauma. It can also be associated with abnormalities of cardiovascular, central nervous, musculoskeletal and genitourinary systems, as well as chromosomal abnormalities. Conventional imaging modalities (plain films, intravenous urogram) as well as advanced cross-sectional imaging modalities (ultrasound, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging) play an important role in the evaluation of horseshoe kidney. This article briefly describes the embryology and anatomy of the horseshoe kidney, enumerates appropriate imaging modalities used for its evaluation, and reviews cross-sectional imaging features of associated complications

Multimodality imaging of adult gastric emergencies: A pictorial review

Acute gastric emergencies require urgent surgical or nonsurgical intervention because they are associated with high morbidity and mortality. Imaging plays an important role in diagnosis since the clinical symptoms are often nonspecific and radiologist may be the first one to suggest a diagnosis as the imaging findings are often characteristic. The purpose of this article is to provide a comprehensive review of multimodality imaging (plain radiograph, fluoroscopy, and computed tomography) of various life threatening gastric emergencies

Chart-stimulated Recall as a Learning Tool for Improving Radiology Residents\u27 Reports

RATIONALE AND Objectives: Workplace-based assessments gauge the highest tier of clinical competence. Chart-stimulated recall (CSR) is a workplace-based assessment method that complements chart audit with an interview based on the residents\u27 notes. It allows evaluation of the residents\u27 knowledge and heuristics while providing opportunities for feedback and self-reflection. We evaluated the utility of CSR for improving the radiology residents\u27 reporting skills.MATERIALS AND Methods: Residents in each year of training were randomly assigned to an intervention group (n=12) or a control group (n=13). Five pre-intervention and five post-intervention reports of each resident were independently evaluated by three blinded reviewers using a modified Bristol Radiology Report Assessment Tool. The study intervention comprised a CSR interview tailored to each individual resident\u27s learning needs based on the pre-intervention assessment. The CSR process focused on the clinical relevance of the radiology reports. Student\u27s t test (P\u3c.05) was used to compare pre- and post-intervention scores of each group.Results: A total of 125 pre-intervention and 125 post-intervention reports were evaluated (total 750 assessments). The Cronbach\u27s alpha for the study tool was 0.865. A significant improvement was seen in the cumulative 19-item score (66% versus 73%, P\u3c.001) and the global rating score (59% versus 72%, P\u3c.001) of the intervention group after the CSR. The reports of the control group did not demonstrate any significant improvement.CONCLUSION: CSR is a feasible workplace-based assessment method for improving reporting skills of the radiology residents